Here's A Look At The Renovation Of Historic Monuments Across India And Why It Needs To Be Done Well

There's no taking shortcuts when it comes to restoring our legacy. Cutting corners in conservation efforts causes a long-term damage, not only to the monument, but also to our history.

Richard Ong/Aswana

In the past, there have been several cases of conservation going horribly wrong. In 2012, there was the case of chemical dyes being used to rush through the restoration of the iconic Amber Fort in Jaipur.

The result was a disaster that is still visible on the Fort walls.?

BCCL

Thankfully, the remaining work of restoration has taken its course for the better and the restored fort provides a true insight into the glory it once represented. However, the restoration is also in stark contrast to the apathy shown to the two other forts - Jaigarh and Nahargarh.

The Royal Opera in Mumbai?

BCCL

The restoration of the Royal Opera in Mumbai is an example of conservation well done. Built in 1911 for a sum of Rs 7.5 lakh, the iconic monument was closed to the public for 20 years. Restoration of the building started in 2009 and the doors were open to public again last year

India's open art gallery, the region of Shekhawati, has several lessons for us.?

Wikimedia

Hailed as a spectacle of sorts, the Shekhawati region has several painted facades on havelis. In one of the villages in the region, Mandawa, it is not uncommon to find portaits of women of the family having bald heads, bloated features and an occasional moustache. It seems that when the family fell out on property ownership, some of the members expressed their anger by defacing the elders!

Not in the family but Humayun's Tomb suffered from public scribbles as well as time's tough stride.

BBC/BCCL

After years of extensive restoration, the Humanyun's Tomb and neighbouring monuments are now completely restored, except the only glitch! Before the restoration process was taken over by the Aga Khan Trust, the government had already completed restoration on the Neela Gumbad. Only to realise that the monument was actually the Sabj Burj.?

In the city of Nawabs, the restoration of the tomb of poet Mir Anees was also renovated a few years ago.

BCCL

One of best-known masters of Urdu poetry, Mir Babar Ali Anis lived and died in Lucknow. His tomb is a revered spot for those in pursuit of better prose as well as for history buffs. Despite his acclaim, the tomb was in shambles and has been recently renovated.?

There are also incredible inspirations in the restoration work in Buddhist paintings in India.

BCCL

Buddhist paintings carry crucial information and folklores which do not have any other documentation. Not unlike manuscripts, the restoration of the paintings help to conserve the wisdom of the Buddha and his teachings.

The restoration of the Mumbai Clock Tower is also a marvel.

BCCL

Known as the opening shot of Bimal Roy's films, the Mumbai Clock Tower was in shambles after the turn of the century. The clock, which is the Rajabhai Mumbai University Clock Tower, took about four years to renovate. It is now open as a heritage monument of Mumbai.